Hoopla!

Last weekend I witnessed history in the making for the basketball crazied Callero family. Here is what my Dad (coach) had to say about it in a mass email he just sent me. I am proud to bear the name Callero after last weekend, so I thought I would share this story with you all.

It took four years, lots of sweat and some blood, but Team Callero has finally won the Oregon Hoopla (3 on 3) Family Division championship! Congratulations to Tony, Marc, Sam and Patrick! (Patrick was a last minute substitution for Vern who had played in the first three tournaments but was unavailable this year). All four are expected to wear their medals to the family reunion and I am sure someone will bring the DVD of the final game (Yes, the tournament is televised in Salem and all final games are available on DVD) but if you can't wait to hear the player's version of the story, here are some highlights.....
48 hours before the tournament begins, "Lovey" (aka Vern) notifies Team Callero that he will not be playing! A campaign to recruit Tony B (6'2" professional basketball player) is unsuccessful and Patrick (5'8" soccer player) agrees to serve as last minute reserve.
12 hours before tip-off Tony and Marc report to team headquarters in Salem. Tony, in the best shape of his life, begins lecturing on proper hydration and the evils of alcohol and caffeine. Marc, limping and whining about his sore knee, opens a beer and makes sure there is coffee in the house. Sam, fresh off of his senior basketball season looks bigger and stronger. Patrick, fresh off of his junior year in Eugene (playing ultimate Frisbee and soccer) looks nervous.
Saturday morning, first game begins at 9:30, temperature a comfortable 70 degrees. Opposition poses little threat, Team Callero walks away with easy victory. Tony barley breaks a sweat, Marc not crying, Sam looks like he belongs, Patrick no longer nervous. Josh, Max, Trey, Santana and Apollo form energetic fan base that also includes Nikki, Guera, Emmy, Scott (Emmy's boyfriend) and large contingent of Salem friends.
Game 2 on Saturday at 1 pm. Temp now approaching 90. Outstanding performance in game 1 brings Mestlers to town for chance to see another victory. Team Callero does not disappoint, although win is too close for comfort and heat begins to take toll on Marc who needs frequent substitution.
Game 3 on Saturday begins at 4:30 pm. Temp now is 99 degrees - hotter on pavement. Opponent is also undefeated. Very important game. Victory needed to secure one of eight number 1 seeds in winners bracket. Binettis "passing through town" arrive in time for game. Joe B immediately assumes role as asistant coach -- acts like head coach.
A very physical game with excellent team play and tough D, ends with narrow victory for Team Callero. Tony's stamina impressive. Patrick and Sam contribute youthful energy. Marc looks close to death.
For fourth year in a row, Team Callero ends pool play on Saturday with a number one seed. Real test to come Sunday. Team Callero has never won on Sunday!
Family meal at air conditioned pizza place. For first time in four years Tony and Marc refuse beer on Saturday night. Patrick enjoys a beer. Sam is naturally relaxed.
Sunday morning first game at 9:30 am. Marc and Tony look tired and sore. Sam and Patrick look fresh. Opponent is undefeated and has unstoppable post player - too big to cover. Lead changes back and forth for entire game. Team Callero wins by 2 after referee/timekeper controversy is settled. First Sunday victory! Team enters final four!
No time to rest - semifinal game at 11 am - temp now 100 degrees. Opponent is nemesiss from prior tournament. The "Pattersons" are also undefeated and beat Team Callero in past years. All in their 20's, very strong but no post players.
Patterson's goes up early by 6 and maintain lead. Tony is leading on the boards. Marc is going crazy on defense and dives on pavement for ball - emerges bloody and in near fight. Second ref is called in for support. Patrick plays many minutes as reserve and frustrates opponent with D. Sam hits clutch three at top of key for lead with minutes left. Tony steals, Marc hits another three. Callero wins! Fans ask coach Callero if Marc and Tony were D I players - no autographs please.
Final game in 90 minutes. Temp now 105!!! Game to be played at center court at steps of Capitol Building. Cameras, bleachers, announcers two refs, no pavement. This is the bigs!
Opponent is team Bison - undefeated and HUGE. Average height close to 6'5", all very strong and young. Strategy - spread the court and foul hard down low.
Bison scores with ease on pick and roll with first two possessions - takes 4 - 0 lead. It doesn't look good. Next possession Sam lofts three from corner - Bison charging hard knocks Sam to ground, shot falls! Sam hits free throw for four point play! Play energizes team. Patrick needs to be restrained on bench. Tony and Marc explode on D and O. Tony holds own down low - fouls hard. Marc conistently takes defender off dribble. Tony plays entire game (tournament!) with no sub. Marc takes self out with 3 minutes to go and game on the line - close to death, can't talk. Coach gets in his face and sends him back in.
Strategy works - Bison misses from charity stripe down the stretch. They can't hit free throws!
Team Callero wins!!!!! Family celebrates at center court!!
Olympic style medal cermony. Team Bison still taller than Team Callero even though on lower step! Hoopla asks for video interview (no kidding). Marc dominates mic (no kidding).
Team Callero dedicates game to Vern (aka Lovey) who made victory possible :-)
Time to drink beer for Tony.